Scarborough: Christie 'distraction'

MSNBC host Joe Scarborough said Monday that New Jersey Chris Christie has become a “distraction” to the Republican Governors Association.

“The fact is right now, he’s a distraction to the RGA,” Scarborough said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “If Republicans’ job is electing governors and you got a guy running the RGA that has Republican candidates running away from him, that’s a serious problem.”

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Christie, the chairman of the RGA, has appeared in Florida and Texas in recent days for the RGA, but some local Republicans have not done public appearances with the governor. Christie heads to Chicago on Tuesday, where at least one gubernatorial hopeful has said he would appear with Christie.

The New Jersey Republican is mired in a scandal about lane closures at the George Washington Bridge that caused massive traffic jams in September. Emails and text messages revealed members of his staff and inner circle were involved in the closures. Christie has denied any involvement in or knowledge of the closures.

Scarborough said though he believes Christie wasn’t involved, he should consider whether he can effectively manage the RGA at the same time that he defends himself.

“I like Chris. I trust Chris. I still take him at his word. But I’m always blunt,” Scarborough said. “He needs to sit down and do some soul searching to see whether he wants to defend charges against him or continue this. I don’t think he can do both.”

Christie’s 2016 presidential stock has taken a hit in the wake of the scandals, but he is still considered a contender for the Republican nomination. Scarborough, also a blogger for POLITICO, was the subject of 2016 speculation himself on Monday.